Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Fintech and Networking Events
Dec 20: Brookings Online Debate: Should Crypto be Regulated by the Federal Government?
Brookings | Dec 7, 2022
Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. EST
Online: https://www.brookings.edu/
Debate moderator: Kelly Evans, Anchor, CNBC's "The Exchange"
YES, crypto should be regulated
- Peter Conti-Brown, Class of 1965 Associate Professor of Financial Regulation, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; Nonresident Fellow, Economic Studies, Brookings
See: Hester Peirce Reaffirms That the SEC’s Current Approach to Crypto Is ‘Not a Good Way of Regulating’
NO, crypto should not be regulated
- Stephen G. Cecchetti, Rosen Family Chair in International Finance, Brandeis International Business School
Register for this virtual debate on Dec 20 --> Now
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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DeFi 2.0 Project Are Testing Liquidity Mining Alternatives
The Defiant | Owen Fernau | Oct 14, 2022
Image: https://www.olympusdao.finance/
Brace yourselves because here comes DeFi 2.0. What that term actually means is still in flux. While DeFi 2.0’s meaning is …
- While DeFi 2.0’s meaning is still congealing, the new crop of DeFi projects centers around the idea called protocol controlled liquidity (PCV). This entails projects acquiring funds to support their financial applications, rather than tapping users’ funds by enticing them with liquidity mining rewards.
- DeFi 2.0 is mostly about DAOs changing the relationship between capital providers and the protocol itself.“ Tyler Reynolds
- Problem: In a nutshell, liquidity mining involves protocols giving their native token to users in exchange for depositing assets that other users can borrow or trade. The problem is that protocols are watering down their token’s supply in exchange for capital deposits, which are often temporary. So come in, lend their assets to the protocol while milking its rewards, then leave with both the assets and rewards, leaving the protocol high and dry.
See: BoE Speech by Carolyn Wilkins on DeFi Governance Limits and Opportunities: Get Up, Stand Up!
- “Profit taking is expected, but when a giant player comes in and exclusively dumps the governance token, it creates a dynamic where all price appreciation is nullified,” Scoopy Trooples, the founder of Alchemix, the auto-paying loan app and critic of excessive liquidity mining, told The Defiant. “This depresses the community and convinces them to do the same or else they won’t ever be able to realize their gains.”
- There are countless examples of this phenomenon — a project called Big Data Protocol attracted over $6B in total value locked during a six-day stretch of liquidity mining rewards only to fall to a current level of only $3.1M, according to DeBank.
- Experimenting with alternatives: OlympusDAO sells its token at a discount in exchange for tokens like DAI, but also liquidity provider (LP) tokens which include OHM. So for example, a user could trade their OHM-DAI LP token, which represents a liquidity position in the decentralized exchange Sushiswap, for OHM. Olympus calls this mechanism a bond, because the discount is paid out over five days. Olympus has another innovative mechanism — a staking function which pays users in additional OHM tokens in exchange for locking the token up. This counteracts the sell pressure which comes from users’ ability to get OHM at a discount with bonds. Staking is working — over 90% of OHM is staked today according to the project’s primary dashboard.
Continue to the full article --> here
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Bank of Canada Speech: Ron Morrow, Executive Director at CIX Summit – Retail Payment Regulations
Bank of Canada | Ron Morrow | Nov 2, 2022
Image: Ron Morrow, Executive Director, BoC at CIX 2022
BoC Regulation: New technology means new payment options—and new rules
- Growth: In recent years, we’ve seen a sharp rise in the use of mobile and digital payments. Canadians place their trust in payment service providers (PSPs) every day. When money changes hands electronically in new and different ways, we at the Bank need to make sure that we protect both consumers and the payments system. The federal government passed the Retail Payment Activities Act last summer, making the Bank responsible for supervising PSPs.
See: Payments Canada Delays Launch of Real-Time Rails Again (without a timeline)
- Who will be affected: Our new supervisory framework could apply to anyone in the business of helping people and companies make financial transactions (or transfer and store their money through electronic means). This includes: payment processers, digital wallets, and money transferers
- Register with BoC: Under the new rules, PSPs will be required to register with the Bank of Canada.
- Banks and credit unions aren’t part of this new framework because they are already supervised at the federal and provincial levels.
- BoC will maintain public lists of all PSPs that have signed up or had their registration refused or revoked
- Enforcement: We have the power to take action if a PSP does not comply with the Act or its regulations.
- Risk-based: The new rules will apply to many entities, but we won’t adopt a one-size-fits-all approach because we recognize that not all PSPs are set up or operate in the same way. This means that the actions we take in our supervisory role will be guided by the level of risk each PSP may pose to consumers and the payments system.
- We will require PSPs to ensure that they return funds to end users if the PSP becomes bankrupt, but we won’t prevent that bankruptcy from happening in the first place.
- We will establish clear requirements and expectations so that PSPs can adjust their operations in line with the rules.
- We also won’t handle customer complaints about fees or other issues they may have with the treatment they receive from a PSP.
See: Bank of Canada: The Latest on Retail Payments Supervision and Survey
- What's next? The Department of Finance Canada will publish the draft regulations online in the near future so PSPs can provide comments. Once the regulations are finalized, we will publish our guidance and asking for more feedback.
Continue to the full article --> here
Read the full speech --> here
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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[Brookings Webcast, Nov 15]: Digital Asset Regulation: The State Perspective
Brookings | Nov 1, 2022
On Tuesday, November 15, the Center on Regulation and Markets will convene the third event of our series on regulating digital assets. Keynoting will be New York Department of Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris, who will discuss her perspective as a state regulator dealing with digital assets and cryptocurrency. The event will feature two panels of experts, one focused on issues of prudential regulation, supervision, safety, and soundness, and a second focused on issues of consumer and investor protection.
See: MiCAR: EU Crypto Regulation in the Making
Cryptocurrency and other digital assets have exploded in valuation, media attention, and interest from investors, financial technology companies, and regulators. These assets have experienced sharp increases and decreases in value, and several have imploded into bankruptcy with severe consequences for investors.
Digital assets and cryptocurrency challenge existing legal and regulatory definitions and frameworks, often straddling lines in ways 20th century law never contemplated. Regulators at both the federal and state levels have been working to try to protect consumers and investors, safeguard the financial system, and allow for innovation and competition.
Digital asset regulation: The state perspective
Tuesday, Nov 15, 2022
Format: Webcast
Register to watch (access) the webcast --> here
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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[CIX Summit Nov 1-2, 2022]: Companies and Investors Come Together at CIX
CIX | Lauren Linton | Oct 24, 2022
About CIX 2022: November 1-2, 2022
CIX is an annual curation program and conference which showcases Canada’s most promising early stage and scaling startups. Due to the high concentration of curated startups (over 250) CIX attracts North American VCs, corporates, private equity investors and provides the tools to network, build new relationships and increase deal flow.
In its 15th year, CIX has grown to become an internationally recognized tech investment conference where connections are made and deals get done.
Attendees include new and established tech founders and CEOs, investors (VCs, angel, corporates, debt providers, etc.), advisors (investment banks, financial institutions, exchanges, accounting, law, recruitment, tech service providers), enterprise, government and media.
Why you should attend
Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor or service provider, you can't afford to miss CIX:
- Meet the most active tech investors from across Canada, the US and globally;
- Meet the most promising early and growth stage Canadian tech startups;
- Meet C-level execs from established corporations who are embracing innovation to drive shareholder value;
- Establish new contacts and renew existing relationships;
- Learn about new tech trends and opportunities from industry leaders and incumbents;
- Meet co-investing partners;
Register for CIX2022 --> here
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Brookings: The Future of Crypto Regulation (On Demand and Transcript)
Brookings Institution | Jul 25, 2022
More than a decade into its existence, cryptocurrency has burst into the mainstream. Meanwhile, America’s financial system still has not figured out how to regulate it. Is crypto an asset, security, commodity, or currency? Is crypto an opportunity for financial inclusion or a scam full of consumer abuse? As crypto continues its ascent, the answers to these questions will be paramount for regulators to ensure fair access to the digital currency and adequate consumer protection.
See: U.S. Treasury Request for Comments: Crypto Competitiveness – Risks and Opportunities of Digital Assets
On Monday, July 25, Aaron Klein, senior fellow at the Brookings Center on Regulation and Markets sat down with Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Rostin Behnam to discuss the future of crypto regulation. We then heard from Hilary Allen, professor of law at the American University Washington College of Law; Michael Piwowar, executive director of the Center for Financial Markets at the Milken Institute; and Sheila Warren, chief executive officer of the Crypto Council for Innovation for their perspective.
Continue to the event page --> here
Download the the 43 page PDF transcript --> here
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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[Event Jul 19]: Liquid Avatar Technologies presents its 2022 Summer Showcase July 19, 2022, at 12 pm Eastern Time
Liquid Avatar Technologies | Cara Buckspan | Jul 17, 2022
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 18, 2022 / Liquid Avatar Technologies Inc. (CSE:LQID)(OTCQB:LQAVF)(FRA:4T51) ("Company"), a global blockchain and FinTech solutions company focused on digital identity, integrated avatars, and the Metaverse, announces its Liquid Avatar Technologies Summer Showcase 2022 on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at 12 pm Eastern Time (GMT / UTC -4), where it will present and demonstrate its core program and product offerings to its stakeholders.
With over 150 people pre-registered, space is limited. Interested participants can register by copying to their browser or clicking on the link below:
https://share.hsforms.com/1nkQwAuT4Rq2EJI-jh6Na6Q4rqa5
During the presentation, the Company will provide an overview of its current programs and products, including:
- Digital Identity & Credentials
- Card and Engagement Programs
- NFTs, Avatars & Digital Products and Services
- Mixed Reality and the Metaverse
Participant questions will follow the Company presentation.
"We are excited to present our product and program progress and this event gives all our stakeholders the opportunity to see firsthand the progress we are making with our core offerings," said David Lucatch, CEO of Liquid Avatar Technologies, and Managing Director of Oasis Digital Studios Limited and Aftermath Islands Metaverse Limited. "Even with the current market volatility, we continue to progress, creating new and innovative solutions to the evolving privacy, safety and security regulations being adopted globally and delivering best of breed products and programs that integrate consumers and businesses as Web 3.0 adoption accelerates."
Details and updates about digital identity, avatars, NFT and other credentials and the metaverse.
You won't want to miss this!
Register for this free event --> Now
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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